They would roast marshmallows that turned into their favorite candy, and the animals would tell stories that made them dream deeper than any bedtime story from the outside world. But the most fascinating element of Kids' Kingdom was the secret heart, a crystal lake in the middle of the country that didn't reflect the sky but the children's aspirations. When they looked into the water, they didn't see their own faces. Instead, they saw images of the experiences they wanted to have, the friends they wanted to make, and the places they wanted to construct. People thought that the lake carried the kingdom's soul, and that as long as the kids kept dreaming honestly, the lake would never dry up.

The kids came here a lot when they were upset. They dipped their hands into the sparkling water and felt their bravery grow like fireflies lighting up the night. The kingdom was blissful, but murmurs started to spread. Every enchanted region has a shadow, and every story of light has a story of twilight. People believed that the meadow gate that had initially brought them here would disappear if the kids were too unhappy or selfish. The kingdom remained secure for a long time because its happiness and compassion kept the meadow open. But as the kingdom developed and more kids came through the gate, they faced new obstacles. Not everyone who arrived knew how to use the fragile magic that kept the Kids' Kingdom going.

Some kids desired more for themselves, such as castles that were taller, candies that they didn't share, and crowns that gleamed brighter. The equilibrium started to shake slowly. But the council of kids stayed strong. They thought back to the promise they made on the first day: that every kid, not just one, owned the kingdom. They met by the Crystal Lake every full moon to remind themselves of their dreams. They said them out loud and wove them together into one big tale that belonged to all of them. They really got to know their country during these meetings.